INK!’s participation in Giving Day 2021 is a special recognition program and opportunity to share the work of INK! (Investing in Kids).
The nonprofit organization was created and has been in existence since 1994 in St. Augustine, when there was a movement to support K-12 public education. A group of volunteers recognized that state funding was not meeting classroom needs and the St. Johns County Education Foundation was created.
In 2015, the Foundation changed its name to INK! (Investing in Kids). INK!’s focus is to enhance classroom learning with programs, services, and resources through donations to help teachers and students. For more information and to contribute on Wednesday, May 5, go to the website at ink-stjohns.org and click the donation button.
Giving Day 2021 is presented by Endless Summer Realty and The FOCUS Group, both located in St. Augustine. The 24-hour online giving event is designed to empower the community to support local nonprofits and meaningful causes. In 2020, $194,380 was raised through 1,089 donors benefiting more than 55 nonprofits. This year, the goal is to raise more funds for worthy organizations and partner with a larger number of nonprofits. Starting in 2019, Giving Day has grown from an idea to help local people give wisely, to a movement that has inspired a broad culture of community-wide philanthropy.
“We are pleased to participate in Giving Day 2021. Donations will make a meaningful impact in enhancing the quality of life for hundreds of educators and children,” said Donna Lueders, INK! executive director. “Our work is challenging, however it is enormously rewarding. Donations will help teachers do their jobs more easily and efficiently in St. Johns County. Education is the one gift you can provide that will never grow old, tatter or break. This is the gift students need for a better future and for their dreams, while making our education foundation stronger for generations to come.”
View the video as an example of school programs funded by Giving Day and additional campaigns at www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Ocdoui3FA. For more information, contact David “Davey” Hartzel, INK!’s director of fund development at (904) 547-7120 or email David.Hartzel@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
